![\"\"](\"\/sites\/default\/files\/japan-earthquake.jpg\")
<\/p>\nOne of the largest ever recorded earthquakes hit Japan at 05:46 GMT (14:46 local time) measuring 8.9 by the US Geological Survey. An immediate tsunami warning has been issued in countries across the Pacific as high water will hit as far as the Pacific United States and South & Central America.<\/p>\n
“The Red Cross in Geneva warned that the tsunami waves could be higher than some Pacific islands, Reuters news agency said. Coastal areas in the Philippines, Hawaii and other Pacific islands were evacuated ahead of the tsunami’s expected arrival. New Zealand later downgraded its alert to a marine threat, meaning strong and unusual currents were expected.<\/p>\n
“Strong waves hit Japan’s Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures, officials said, damaging dozens of coastal communities. Kyodo news agency said a 10-metre wave (33ft) struck the port of Sendai in Miyagi. Japan’s NHK television showed a massive surge of debris-filled water sweeping away buildings, cars and ships and reaching far inland. Motorists could be seen trying to speed away from the wall of water.<\/p>\n
“Farmland around Sendai was submerged and the waves pushed cars across the runway of the city’s airport. Fires broke out in the city’s centre.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The above map shows the path of the tsunami and estimated times of impact.<\/p>\n